NHS rally RECAP: Hundreds of demonstrators turn up at Newcastle city centre protest

Hundreds of demonstrators turned out in Newcastle today for a rally to ‘save the NHS’.

MPs, health experts and campaigners were in Newcastle city cente at the event which aimed to highlight key issues facing the NHS including the ‘sustainability and transformation plan’ – a set of policies being considered by the government – as well staffing levels and funding cuts.

Organisers said: “This regional March and Rally is being held to build support for the national #ourNHS demonstration in London exactly one month later on Saturday 4th March 2017.”

Organised by Keep Our NHS Public North East and North East People's Assembly Against Austerity speakers included Emma Lewell-Buck, MP for South Shields, and Blaydon MP Dave Anderson.

Tony Dowling chairman of the People’s Assembly North East, said: “Tory austerity is stealing money from the 99% and handing it to the 1% whilst slashing our public services.

“What May and Hunt are doing to our health service is nothing short of a national disgrace. We are the 6th richest nation on the planet.

“Our NHS is not overspent, it is underfunded. The solution is simple: stop giving massive tax cuts to the wealthy and corporations.”

Speaking ahead of the North East Rally, John Whalley co-ordinator, Keep Our NHS Public North East, said: “The March and Rally next Saturday clearly reflects the very high level of concern in the North East – the financial savings identified in the proposed plan cannot be made unless there are further very significant cuts in health services or increased waiting times”